The 2025 season draws to a close with a review of the most groundbreaking decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is often marked by many constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some moves by LIV Golf indicated a rapprochement with the established tours. Changes were also noted in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Renewal
In January, a leadership change at the helm of LIV Golf became apparent. American Scott O’Neil took over as the new CEO of LIV Golf, founded in 2021, from Greg Norman, who initially announced an advisory role but later withdrew completely in September. O’Neil, with decades of professional sports management experience, pledged to lead LIV Golf into its next development phase, coupling innovation with reach. He also signaled a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues and expressed openness to future cooperations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA created new qualification opportunities for LIV golfers for the Open Championship and the US Open. A rapprochement to the OWGR, which determines most Major qualifications, also emerged under LIV’s new CEO Scott O’Neil in April. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman were seen together at Augusta National Golf Club – their first meeting since LIV Golf’s OWGR application was denied, which still disadvantages LIV players in Major participation.
Penalties: Impact on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour starting in 2026 will have significant consequences. DP World Tour’s regulations, confirmed by courts, sanction members who compete without permission in competing events. LIV stars Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton played in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without penalties this year as exclusion decisions remain under appeal. Players wishing to remain DP World Tour members, aiming for Ryder Cup participation, must bear their own financial penalties from 2026, potentially weakening Europe’s team in Ireland 2027.
Format Revolution: LIV Expands to 72 Holes in 2026
The most profound decision in LIV Golf was extending tournaments from three to four days starting in 2026. This shifts LIV events from the traditional 54-hole format to 72 holes, usually Thursday through Sunday, aligning with the PGA and DP World Tours. Since its inception, LIV’s three-day tournaments were part of its identity, even reflected in its name, LIV being Roman numeral for 54, signaling its break